While I love a big release game as much as the next person, it’s impossible to ignore some of the awful stories that have come out about triple-A publishers recently. From crunch culture, to predatory monetisation, and even extreme abuse, it’s heartbreaking that an industry that has offered solace and escapism to so many has inflicted such pain on the very people that build it.
As such, I’ve found myself drifting further and further towards the indie side of gaming. Of course, indie devs and publishers are not without their controversies, but in the grand scheme of things, it feels far more satisfying to support artists attempting to break out and find their own footing in this important but increasingly corrupt field.
This year has seen some brilliant entries into the hall of the best indie games on Switch, full of stunning artwork, thoughtful stories, moving characters, and boundary-pushing gameplay. Dealing with heavy themes like loss, fear, environmental issues, and identity, these games not only prove that you don’t need a big label attached to you to show your worth, but you can resonate with people from all walks of life, regardless of whether you’re a talking rat or a shape-shifting sword.
